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Health For Mzansi

Addiction: Watch out for those OTCs

by Noluthando Ngcakani
26th January 2023
in Conversations, Podcast
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
OTC medication abuse: An easy trap to fall into

On this episode of Sisters Without Shame, social worker, Denise De Beer unpacks addiction to over the counter medications. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can be purchased without a prescription. It is easy to buy and the abuse of OTC often goes unnoticed. In this episode of Sisters Without Shame, a concerned parent in crisis needs answers to battle her son’s addiction to Lean or Purple Drank. Social worker Denise de Beer shares her insights on combatting addiction to over-the-counter medications.

“Abuse of OTC is when you use more than the recommended dose and more regularly than recommended. You crave the feeling it gives you or you might mix OTC medication to experience a high,” she says.

De Beer is also the head of the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) in George, Western Cape.

This week on Sisters Without Shame, social worker Denise de Beer helps us understand over-the-counter medicines. Photo: Health For Mzansi

What is Lean?

Purple Drank or Lean is a mixture of prescription codeine cough syrup and soda or when the desired prescription syrup is not available, OTC cough syrup might be used, says De Beer.

“Hard candy is sometimes also added to the mixture. The name comes from the general purple colour of most codeine cough syrups.”

Typical signs of Lean or Purple Drank abuse includes memory issues, lack of energy, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea and constipation. Prolonged use can also lead to dental decay, weight gain, urinary tract infections, irregular heart rate and seizures.

“When codeine is consumed in large doses or for non-prescription purposes, it can have extremely harmful effects,” she says.

“In addition, the person might also experience euphoria, loss of coordination, dissociation, intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms and the risk of overdose is high.”

Look out for these signs

To know if a loved one is abusing OTC medication, you can look for the following signs:

  • Taking more than the recommended dosage and using more frequently than indicated.
  • Continuing to use the medication even when the health issue has been resolved.
  • Drinking alcohol while using the medication or combining different OTC medications without being instructed to do so by a medical professional.

In this episode, De Beer also unpacks:

  • The most common OTC medicines to be abused.
  • Treatment options available for addiction.

Listen to the full interview on Sisters Without Shame 

Spotify: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices). 

Apple Podcasts: Click here to listen on any Apple device.

Google Podcasts: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

Want to connect with Sisters Without shame? 

To send an SOS to Sisters Without Shame, email hello@healthformzansi. Alternatively, send a WhatsApp to 076 132 0454.

ALSO LISTEN: Failure: How to deal with it and move on

Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.

Tags: AddictionMedication
Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

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HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers